2021 Education Guide for Military Students

BY AMERIFORCE MEDIA, LLC.

VETERANS FIND SUCCESS AT VILLANOVA

UNIVERSITY

SCHOLARSHIPS FROM ENLISTED TO OFFICER

CHECKLIST STUDENT

For service members

What’s your end goal: certification, license, degree?

What time commitment do you have for a course load?

Do you want to attend in person or online? Speak with the installation education center to determine the best program for your goals and schedule.

Research schools including accreditation, student reviews, and its standing with the DOD [See list of institutions with a DOD MOU].

Examine financial aid options such as the FAFSA, tuition assistance, scholarships, and GI Bill benefits.

After gathering the above information, apply to the program that fits your goals, budget, and manner in which you want to attend.

Design a course schedule with the whole semester in mind. For example, if you will be deploying with limited internet, a full course load might not be the best option. Create a designated space for homework and studying, or find a remote location like the base library or a local coffee shop.

Review syllabi ahead of the semester, documenting assignment due dates and materials needed.

Connect with support groups, like Student Veterans of America.

Need extra help? Check out Tutor.com’s free program for military students.

For military spouses

What’s your end goal: certification, license, degree?

What time commitment do you have for a course load?

Do you want to attend in person or online?

Speak with a MySECO counselor to determine the best education program for your goals.

Research schools including accreditation, student reviews, and its standing with the DOD.

Apply for the FAFSA.

Evaluate additional financial aid options, including MyCAA, scholarships, and grants [See page 16].

After gathering the above information, apply to the program that fits your goals, budget, and manner in which you want to attend.

Design a course schedule with the whole semester in mind. For example, do you have an upcoming PCS move, shift change at work, or child care limitations?

Create a designated space for study time. Review syllabi ahead of the semester, documenting assignment due dates and materials needed.

Need extra help? Check out Tutor.com’s free program for military students.

Is college worth it? A recent study shows tens of thousands of reasons why the answer is yes.

Data over the last decade reveals post-secondary education gives applicants more bargaining power when it comes to salary negotiations. One example cites median earnings of bachelor’s degree recipients working full time at $24,900 higher than those of high school graduates, according to the College Board. For a master’s degree, the income differential increased to $39,700.

A benefit of military service is access to vast financial aid resources, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, tuition assistance, and scholarships from private organizations — like the Pat Tillman Foundation. And the educational support extends far beyond the service member or veteran, to military spouses and dependent children.

Annually, AmeriForce Media compiles a list of the latest scholarships and grants open to students with a military affiliation. From the National Military Family Association’s program that runs throughout the year to aid societies that support each service branch, the options are endless. A full rundown of details can be found on page 16.

In this guide, we also explore some of the key tools needed to succeed in your education goals, including

tips for thriving in a virtual classroom and choosing to make a career transition from enlisted to officer. What we hear over and over from students is, the need for structure and a culture that motivates. Villanova University stands as an example of that, according to current students we spoke with. Learn more on page 8 about how a Marine veteran and current airman found a campus climate that reminds them of the camaraderie of the military.

Student veteran Chad Allen (center) on the Villanova University campus with Michael Brown (right), Director of the Office of Veterans and Military Service Members, and Dr. Christine Kelleher Palus (left), Dean of Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies. Cover shoot by © Villanova University/John Shetron.

Bianca Strzalkowski

CLEP/DSST OFFER SHORTCUT TO COLLEGE DEGREE

By Jimmy Norris

Military-affiliated students can save thousands of dollars on a degree by taking advantage of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) benefits.

An adult student who earns 15 CLEP credits to apply toward a degree could save nearly $5,000 at the average public 4-year institution and more than $17,000 at the average private nonprofit institution, according to the College Board website, with nearly 50,000 service members, eligible spouses, and civil service employees utilizing the program annually for college credit.

They can also save a lot of time, says Mark Haskins, Executive Director of Pierce College at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington.

“By taking DSST/CLEP tests, students are theoretically able to complete their entire first year of college with test taking,” Haskins said via e-mail. “I met a soldier once who earned over 40 semester credits through testing.

Even though his college program did not accept all of them, he was able to complete his associate degree in just over a year, when the average for active-duty service members is about five years.”

Haskins added that among students working toward two-year degrees, taking CLEP tests increases the probability of completing their degree program by 17%.

Despite the advantages of taking CLEP and DSST tests, Haskins said

there are some disadvantages to using the program. He said those who test out of classes miss out on other aspects of the college classroom experience. He also said not all colleges award credit for all, or any, CLEP and DSST tests.

“Therefore, if a student or service member knows which college they will attend, it will save them time and effort if they check first with that school what tests they will accept,” Haskins said.

Students who wish to take CLEP tests should pre-register at www. collegeboard.org. To take DSST tests, service members register at their

testing center on the day of the test. They should specify their military status while setting up their account on the site and identify themselves as DANTES funded when purchasing a CLEP test. On test day, military identification cards are required.

The initial tests are free to active-duty service members, National Guard members, and reservists. DANTES also funds testing for Coast Guard spouses (active or reserve), along with civilian employees of the Air Force.

Veterans pay the cost of the test up front and are then reimbursed by Veterans Affairs. If the student

fails a test, they must pay the cost of the test and administrative fee if they retest for the same subject test. In some cases, DANTES will run a limited-time promotion where a service member can retest for free, Haskins added.

“We have seen cases where students took the test cold, only to miss earning college credit by only one or two points,” Haskins said.

Haskins said students should study ahead of time for the tests and suggested the “Modern States” website that can be accessed for free at www.modernstates.org.

Personnel specialist Petty Officer 3rd Class Darryl Mitchell, from Dallas, takes a CLEP test on USS Kitty Hawk.

Photo by Joseph Schmitt.

STUDENT VETERANS FIND COMMUNITY AT

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY

By Bianca Strzalkowski

— SPONSORED

Allen, who served in the Marines for 11 years, is among nearly 200,000 veterans that exit the military annually, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA ranks entering the workforce as a leading challenge for service members who are making the move to civilian life. And it is what led Allen to explore education opportunities long after he last sat in a classroom.

The former drill instructor enlisted after 9/11 because he says he wanted

to serve his country. Specifically, he chose the Marine Corps because of its reputation.

“The Marines are the most prestigious. It was the ultimate challenge; go big or go home,” he said.

In 2014, as Allen made the transition and was looking into career fields, he found post-secondary education to be a continuous requirement among employers.

“When I made the decision that I was getting out of the Marine Corps, as I was looking for jobs — searching job listings — I saw a bachelor’s degree almost always listed. I knew it was going to be something that I had to accomplish and I had the GI Bill, so I figured I would take full advantage of that,” he explained.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill affords student veterans with up to 36 months of education benefits, which includes money for tuition, housing, books, and fees. In the same way that Allen pursued a career in the Marines because of its prestigiousness, he said he wanted that same standard for the institution where he would invest those earned benefits. Through his involvement in a tightknit veteran community in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Allen would come to meet another veteran who would help put such a school on his radar.

Army veteran Michael Brown is the Director of the Office of Veterans and Military Service Members at Villanova University. His position was added to the university’s staffing roster in 2018 to grow programs, opportunities, and community for students and alumni.

After graduating from high school, Brown said he wasn’t quite ready for college and after speaking with other members of his family who were in the military, he decided to enlist in the Army as an infantryman. His fouryear career included a deployment to Bosnia with the 1st Armored Division. When he left the military, he enrolled at a state school in Michigan using his Montgomery GI Bill to major in political science and applied ethics.

“I found myself as one of the oldest students in the classroom and just getting back from a deployment and being overseas, it was an interesting experience. I think I appreciated college much more,” he said.

When Chad Allen was preparing for his transition from the Marine Corps, he saw a recurring theme among job listings: degree needed.

In 2006, Brown was hired to work for then Congressman-elect Patrick Murphy, the first Iraq War veteran ever elected to Congress. In that role, Brown conducted outreach within the community to help determine the needs of the next generation of student veterans. These efforts helped Murphy’s office with some legislative adjustments and modifications to the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Just as Brown explained the value of having veterans serve in key decision-making positions, like government, he sees the same need within academia in order to create a campus culture that is veteran ready. And that readiness starts with how resources are presented before the service member even leaves the military, Brown says. A process he equates to drinking from a firehose.

“One of the things I see, still, is the TAP [Transition Assistance Program] class upon exit from the military overloads soon-to-be veterans with information that should be more localized,” Brown said.

Other barriers to education he describes occur at the moment a student veteran gets to college. He has worked to craft an experience similar to a first-year student enrolling straight from high school.

“I think the experience [for student veterans] should be like that of an 18-year-old. What I mean by that is, they should be introduced to everything in an orientation that an 18-year-old is, they should be made aware of what’s going on in and around campus with a specific lens for who they are — a non-traditional student. They may be a little bit different, a little bit older, but I think they are also college students. That is why the creation of offices like mine help. I want their experience to be as Villanova as it can be,” Brown explained.

6,500 undergraduate students

3,500 law and graduate students

130,000 alumni worldwide

12 miles outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Since being in his position, Brown has developed partnerships with military support organizations, like VetLink — part of Service to School, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides free application counseling, peer-to-peer guidance, and networking support at no cost to the applicant.

Other priorities for his office include:

• Construction of a new veteran student center that is scheduled to open in the fall,

• Connect employers with students for interview prep, resume review and job opportunities,

• Grow the student veteran population on campus, and

• Expand partnerships with entities that can enhance the student experience.

Villanova University is a Catholic university founded in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustine. One of the cornerstones of its academic culture is service, says Dr. Christine Kelleher Palus, Dean of Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies, making it a “natural fit” for service members, veterans, and their family members.

Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top national universities

“We have a long tradition of serving veterans at Villanova, and we are continuously striving to offer new and relevant programs that can ultimately help these students find careers after their service,” Palus said. “For example, this semester we launched a new Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Entrepreneurship, as well a new professional certificate in Business Process Improvement Essentials. Through our partnership with the Office of Veterans and Military Service Members, we will continue to develop new programs that appeal to students with a military background, as well as provide an excellent experience throughout their time with us.”

She added that the university recognized it could serve military students more strongly, and Brown’s position is a key part of that strategy.

And students, like Air Force Master Sgt. Josie Ojeda, say the Villanova team has succeeded in its mission.

The DC-based airman is a student majoring in organizational development & management and minoring in leadership. She initially attended Villanova for a non-credit certificate program.

“By obtaining the Lean Six Sigma certificate I gained the necessary tools to help organizations improve their capability and for them to reach their potential. My passion is to help others on this journey and it gives me great joy seeing the outcome and truly enjoy helping the others do what they do best in their personal and professional settings,” Ojeda said.

Her experience with the program led her to pursue an undergraduate degree last year. The university’s online and in-person resources have helped her balance coursework

while in uniform. She recommends two considerations for her peers choosing a similar path.

1 Research the school where you would like to obtain your degree. Write your pros and cons of the schools so that you are able to make the best decision.

2 Focus on timing. Consider your short- and long-term education goals. Determine when the best time is to start.

“Many times, in my own military career, I thought I was ready to complete my degree but then other issues would arise. Failing to do so could lead to losing interest or not giving it 100%,” she added.

One way to feel more connected to a school, even from a distance, is to become immersed in campus culture. For Ojeda, that meant serving on the College of Professional Studies’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

“I was selected for this committee in the fall of 2020, which is in the early stages of developing its platform,” she said. “I enjoy being involved in my school community and look forward to sharing my experiences while at Villanova. I am excited for the awesome journey ahead.”

Ojeda also encourages others to explore the vast financial aid resources afforded to those in the military, including tuition assistance and branch-specific COOL programs.

As for Allen, who is also majoring in organizational development and management while running a construction business, he echoes Ojeda’s statement about the support system in place at Villanova University. He began his program in 2020, right before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

“The people and the staff have really helped me to succeed. So, being in the military, it’s all about community and camaraderie. And I have that same exact thing at Villanova. I said the Marine Corps is the most prestigious, in my opinion Villanova is too. It’s very in line with the Marine Corps as far as support and values,” he said.

their

6 WAYS TO SUCCEED IN AN ONLINE CLASSROOM

By Angela Caban, MHRM

Nearly 7 million students attended college online in the fall of 2018, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. It is likely that number has increased in recent semesters and will continue to with uncertainties surrounding the fate of campuses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A common mistake people make is assuming attending classes online is easier or doesn’t require a heavy time commitment. As an online student for nearly five years, I learned a set of basics required to succeed in the virtual environment — and the practices should be put into play before the first day of school.

There are several reasons adults choose to go to school. Whatever that reason may be, one thing is certain throughout this journey: managing a course load as a nontraditional student is slightly different than doing it straight out of

high school. When you are raising a family, dealing with deployment or working full time, just to name a few, it’s easy to lose focus and remember why you even started.

Making the choice to go back to school can be a lot of trial and error, and that’s OK. The upside to that is as responsible adult we have a better concept of how to balance our professional and personal lives. Based on my own experiences, I have collected several tips that I have found helpful for managing life and academic studies successfully, as well as staying organized in the process.

Learn the technology

This may seem like a no-brainer, but taking an online class involves learning a new technology depending on the type of digital environment the institution offers. The courses, discussions, and assignments are all completed on an online platform, so getting familiar with the technology at the very beginning of the course is essential. You don’t want to wait until the day your first paper is due to figure out how everything works. Login a few days before your class starts and play around in the platform, familiarize yourself with the syllabus, objectives and where the documents are housed.

Get to know your professors

Reach out to your professor as soon as you can, most likely as you are logged in and learning the technology. Send them a quick email to introduce yourself and let them know why you’re excited for the course. Starting a conversation, providing full transparency, and having a good relationship with your professors will be beneficial to you as an online student and in your future career or graduate studies.

Make a schedule, stick to it

Now that you are in school, your schedule needs to be extended and arranged. Determine what time of day school time fits in best. Whether it is early in the morning before anyone is up, or late at night after the kids are in bed, set times on your calendar daily for assignments, reading, tests, and any other school work that needs to get done.

Avoid cramming in what you can with the few spare minutes you may have. Plan ahead and set your schedule weekly, this way you can forecast

any conflicts or commitments. Most importantly, make sure your supervisor, family, and friends are aware of your schedule. Be open and honest, and learn to say no if it interferes with your school schedule and deadlines.

Get organized

If you were attending classes on a campus, you would ensure you were organized and had all the proper supplies, right? Online students need to be just as prepared, if not even more so because online studies require more discipline. Carve out a dedicated spot where you can work quietly and keep all supplies needed at hand. Set up a file structure on your computer that will clearly divide your assignments so that you can find them easily and keep up-to-date with your school work.

Plan, don’t procrastinate

As much as you truly think you work better under pressure, don’t ever push back a school deadline. In the online world, expect for something to go wrong and plan ahead for

something to not go as planned. Use your course syllabus at the beginning of the semester and draft a schedule that highlights all major assignments, exams, work deadlines, and course milestones. Then force yourself to stick to that schedule, building up your powers of self-discipline.

Don’t get distracted

This can mean so many different things – checking your emails, Facebook, Twitter, text messages. These tasks take up so much time! When you are trying to study and your phone rings, do you ignore it or answer it? Don’t even think twice about it; shut it off before starting any school work. Stop the distractions before they start.

Ultimately, the best way to be successful as an online student is to figure out what works for you and stick to it. Adjust as needed along the way and don’t let the chaos of everyday life throw you off task. Stay focused and always remember the end goal you want to accomplish.

John J. Rodes Airman Leadership School class 20-5 poses for a photo during their classroom video conference at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

SOLDIERS SHARE PERSPECTIVE ON BALANCING SCHOOL WHILE IN UNIFORM

By Marla Bautista

Education programs continue to be an attractive benefit of enlistment, with each service branch extending some variation of tuition assistance to its personnel. But adding a course load to a full-time work schedule requires planning and commitment. The rigors of the daily mission can make obtaining a college or higher education-level degree more difficult, but it can be done with a few organizational tips and time management skills.

A post-secondary degree has been known to aid in career promotions for service members, and it is a qualifier for all enlisted to officer programs. In addition, it can help increase job opportunities for those who transition out.

The 2019 statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics concur. According to its report, those ages 34 to 44 — the ages of many service members post-retirement — who have a college degree or higher, have an 87.9% employment rate compared to those who have high school level education, which holds a 74.6% employment rate.

Army Staff Sgt. Ulisses Bautista started working towards his college degree while on tour in Korea at the age of 34.

“I started college because I wanted to do something that would benefit me while I was in the military. I was also thinking about retirement, and having my degree will give me a head start for job searching once I retire,” Bautista said.

Since he began, he has achieved his associate degree and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

“For me, starting was the hardest part. Once you’re in the groove, it becomes easier, especially if you’re doing something you love, which I am,” he said.

Bautista suggests considering three factors when starting school:

1. Is my program of interest available locally or virtually?

2. Will my benefits cover the costs of the program?

3. What type of scheduling flexibility will I need while attending classes?

Service members can also speak with the base education center about academic options like onsite learning versus virtual, program terms, and tuition benefits.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven Alwine is currently studying for his Bachelor of Art in marketing from American Military University. His course load is full time and fully virtual.

Like many service members, Alwine is not only working toward furthering his current career, but he is also looking forward to post-military options. He said with his degree in marketing, he will not only be able to apply the skills he learns for a future marketing career, but he will learn skills that he can apply while on active-duty service.

“The fields overlap with other elements of personnel management, sociology, and understanding of people individually and in groups,” he said.

But balancing active-duty service, classes, and home life is no easy feat. Alwine suggests that the first step is to be transparent with your spouse and your family about how much time classes will require in addition to the service member’s daily mission.

“Plan for how to space out school requirements throughout the week so you aren’t spending your whole weekend trying to do schoolwork. … If possible, coordinate with your chain of command to provide some time during the week to get… schoolwork done,” Alwine suggested.

In addition, having a plan in place and deadlines in mind are crucial to ensuring there is an equal amount of time spent on work, school, and with family.

“Take breaks from school, but know when deadlines are approaching. [And] make… plans for content so if you do have to take a break it is easier to return to a paper or lab,” he said.

In the end, both Bautista and Alwine feel as though pursuing a higher education degree while in uniform is worth it, even if it requires extra planning. Benefits like tuition assistance and rallying supporters in the form of friends, family, and colleagues can help tremendously.

Alwine’s biggest advice: find your support group. “[Speak with] the enlisted people who got degrees on active duty for how to manage time, or even a sympathetic ear who will keep you moving towards completion. It’s a hard road, but it’s worthwhile.”

TIPS FOR

BALANCING EDUCATION AND ACTIVE SERVICE

TIPS FOR MANAGING TIME:

• Be clear with family about your school schedule

BE PREPARED: The liaison may ask for your JST (Joint Service Transcript). The JST is a record of all the military schooling or training you’ve attended throughout your time in service. Various classes or training you’ve attended may qualify for transferable college credits. Having an up-to-date JST will save you time when applying. Also, carrying other required documentation such as a military ID, social security card, high school transcripts, and copies of SAT/ ACT and other testing scores to the appointment are helpful.

• Make a plan for taking breaks

• Plan to do your coursework during the week at a set time

• Consult with your command about taking time for schoolwork

• Find a support group to keep you motivated

SERVICE MEMBER BENEFITS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION DEGREES INCLUDE:

Tuition assistance

Montgomery G.I. Bill Post 9/11 G.I. Bill Scholarships

EDITOR’S NOTE: The author is the spouse of Army Staff Sgt. Bautista who is featured in this article.

FOR MILITARY-CONNECTED STUDENTS

by Bianca Strzalkowski

Completing an education is hard enough without having to stress about how to pay for it. If you have a military affiliation and are thinking about college (or are already working on a degree), you’re in luck. Organizations have stepped up to offer education assistance to offset the cost of tuition and fees.

YEAR-ROUND SCHOLARSHIPS

National Military Family Association

The basics: Awards available for career funding, degrees, clinical supervision towards licensure in the mental health profession, and business expenses.

Deadline: Rolling basis.

Army Emergency Relief

The basics: The Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program is a need-based scholarship program established to assist Army spouses in obtaining an undergraduate degree or similar professional certification. Deadline: None. Spouses can apply year-round and must re-apply each year.

MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account)

Who’s eligible: Spouses of service members with the rank of E1-E5; W1W2; O1-O2.

The basics: Maximum tuition assistance benefit of $4000 to be used toward an associate degree, license or certification.

Deadline: Rolling basis.

The Bennie Adkins Foundation

The basics: Special Forces soldiers (E5 - E9) on active duty, recently separated (within 5 years), or retired (within 5 years) who have been accepted by or already attending an accredited college, university, or vocational institution.

Deadline: Rolling basis.

BRANCH AID SOCIETIES

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

Who’s eligible: Spouses of active duty or retired sailors and Marines. The basics: Interest-free loans and grants for undergraduates at an accredited 2- or 4-year education, technical or vocational institution.

Deadline: June 1.

Air Force Aid Society

Who’s eligible: Spouses of active duty and Title 10 reservists, and widows.

The basics: Needs-based grant ranging from $500 – $4000.

Deadline: April 30.

Army Emergency Relief (for military kids)

The basics: The MG James Ursano Scholarship Program is a need-based scholarship program established to assist children of Army soldiers in obtaining their first undergraduate degree.

Deadline: April 1.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

Who’s eligible: Spouses of Coast Guardsmen.

The basics: Loans and grants for a degree, license, or certification.

Details: Programs include Stafford/ PLUS loan fee reimbursement, education loans, Stafford/PLUS Loan Fee Reimbursement, Supplemental Education Grants, and Tutor.com availability. You may be eligible for more than one program, so make copies of your application so it can be easily submitted to other programs.

Deadline: Rolling basis.

PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS Modern Military Association of America

The basics: 10 military spouses will be awarded a scholarship ranging from $1,000 – $2,500.

Details: Applications are scheduled to open in May 2021. Winners are announced in July.

Deadline: June.

FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship Program

The basics: The fellowship provides military spouses the opportunity to earn the Accredited Financial Counselor® certification.

Details: You will need a letter of recommendation and complete four essay questions as part of your application.

Deadlines: To be announced.

ThanksUSA

The basics: Scholarships awarded to spouses and military kids may be used for a first-time undergraduate study at an accredited 2- or 4-year college, university, or accredited vocational, technical, or trade school program.

Details: Scholarships are $3,000.

Deadline: April 15.

Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education

Who’s eligible: Active-duty and military spouses/dependents of drilling reservists, National Guard or retirees, permanently disabled military member or their family member, family member of service member who is missing or KIA, or any veteran or retiree of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Details: To be announced.

Pat Tillman Foundation

Who’s eligible: Current spouses of veterans or active-duty service members, including surviving spouses.

The basics: $10,000 scholarship to assist with academic expenses, such as tuition, fees, and books.

Details: Opens annually throughout the month of February.

Deadline: Feb. 28.

Hope For The Warriors

The basics: Five different categories of scholarships will be awarded between $1,500 - $2,500.

Details: Applications for fall 2021 will be accepted starting March 1.

Deadline: April 30.

Council of College and Military Educators (CCME)

The basics: The organization awards $1,000 scholarships to United States military service members (active duty/veterans) and spouses of service members who are working towards the completion of higher education degrees.

Details: There are several different scholarship opportunities based on eligibility. Check back in the fall for the new application period.

Coast Guard Foundation

Who’s eligible: Spouses and children of enlisted Coast Guard members, children of fallen Coast Guard members, and enlisted Coast Guard members.

Details: There are several scholarships opportunities available based on eligibility. Visit their website for more information.

Deadline: March 15.

DUSA – The Society of Daughters of The United States Army

Who’s eligible: Applicants must be the daughter, granddaughter, stepdaughter, or adopted daughter of a career commissioned or warrant officer in the U.S. Army who is on active duty, retired after at least 20 years active-duty service, was medically retired from active duty, or died while on active duty. High school senior and college applicants must have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in academic work completed to date. The basics: $1,500 scholarships awarded; number of scholarships awarded vary by year.

Details: Scholarship awards are delivered in two payments to directly to the institution.

Deadline: March 15.

Air Force Association

Who’s eligible: Eligibility is dependent on scholarship opportunity. There are scholarships available for Air Force and Space Force active duty, retired, veterans, spouses, and children.

Deadline: April 30.

Association of the United States Army

Who’s eligible: Eligibility is dependent on scholarship opportunity. There are scholarships available for U.S. Army active duty, retired, veterans, spouses, and children.

The basics: The Association of the United States Army offers several different scholarship opportunities for active duty, retired, veteran, National Guard, and reserve service members as well as spouses and children. Different scholarship opportunities are available including those in STEM programs, dental programs, and more.

Details: Multiple scholarships are available for varying amounts through AUSA. Applicants must hold an active AUSA membership for some scholarships.

Fisher House

Who’s eligible: Any military child whose parent(s) are serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces can apply. Students must be enrolled or plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate program that is leading to a bachelor’s degree or a junior college that is designed to directly transfer to a four-year program. High school applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and college applications much have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Deadline: Feb. 17.

LOCAL SPOUSE CLUBS

There are dozens of spouse clubs co-located to military installations around the world. (Yes, we said world –including OCONUS locations). These organizations are a place of camaraderie for spouses, but also participate in philanthropic activities like scholarships and charitable giving. At the start of each new year, the clubs usually open up applications for scholarship programs with specific eligibility requirements. Some require applicants to be a member and some do not. How to find them: A simple internet search of your installation and the phrase ‘military spouse club’ should produce results. Also, the club may be officer, enlisted, or combined.

TIP: Local spouse clubs typically open applications in December/January.

Below are a few examples of those currently offering education assistance

Eielson Air Force Base Spouses’ Club (AK)

Link: https://eielsonspousesclub.com/scholarships

The Officers’ Spouses’ Club in Yuma (AZ)

Link: https://www.oscyuma.org/scholarshipsandgrants

Military Spouse Association of Camp Pendleton (CA)

Link: https://www.msa-cp.org/scholarships-grants

Monterey Bay Officers Spouse Club (CA)

Link: http://mbosc.net/Scholarship-Information-andEligibility

Travis Spouses Club (CA)

Link: http://www.travisspousesclub.com

Buckley Spouses’ Group (CO)

Link: https://www.buckleyspousesgroup.com/ scholarship-application

Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses’ Club (MD)

Link: https://www.ftmeadeesc.org/esc-scholarship

Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’ Club (MD)

Link: https://fortmeadeosc.wordpress.com

Camp Lejeune Officers’ Spouses’ Club (NC)

Link: https://camplejeuneosc.wildapricot.org/CLOSCScholarship-Philanthropy

Fort Bragg Spouses Club (NC)

Link: https://fortbraggabs.membershiptoolkit.com/ story/70930

Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club (NE)

Link: http://offuttenlistedspousesclub.com/scholarships

Offutt Officers’ Spouses’ Club (NE)

Link: https://offuttosc.com/scholarships

Minot Spouses’ Club (ND)

Link: https://minotsc.com

Tinker Air Force Base (OK)

Link: https://www.tinkerspouses.org/what-we-do

Military Spouses of Newport (RI)

Link: http://www.milspousenewport.org/Scholarships

Parris Island (SC)

Contact: For more information on obtaining an application, contact pispousesclub@gmail.com.

Shaw Spouses Club (SC)

Link: https://www.shawspousesclub.com/ scholarshipapplication.html

Fort Bliss Spouses’ Association (TX)

Link: https://thefbsa.org/scholarships

NATIONAL SPOUSE CLUBS

Just as there are local spouse clubs, similar organizations exist on the national level and yes, they want to support military spouse education too.

Navy Wives Clubs of America

Who’s eligible: Up to 30 scholarships awarded annually, with eligibility for spouses/dependents of the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines.

Deadline: March 31.

MUSTANGS: SERVICE MEMBERS MAKE LEAP FROM ENLISTED TO OFFICER

By Stephen Ruiz

For a man with three college degrees, Marine Maj. Eric Flanagan never liked school in the beginning.

Fed up at the thought of entering another classroom and with his parents unable to help pay for college, Flanagan joined the Marine Corps in 2001 after graduating high school. His view of education changed as he served a five-year enlistment before deciding to become an officer. That transition required an undergraduate degree, so Flanagan enrolled at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts.

“I knew a lot of people who had gone to school [straight out of high school] and used it as an opportunity to party and have fun, and they didn’t make it,’’ said Flanagan, 37. “The Marine Corps helped me to avoid that trap. I really enjoyed my time in college.’’

Flanagan earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications in 2008 and has gone on to receive master’s degrees in media studies

from San Diego State and leadership from Marshall University. Flanagan currently works in the public affairs office at the Pentagon.

Enlisted service members who go to school to become commissioned as officers don’t fit one mold. Some have families. Some have previous college experience. Some are a decade or more removed from the last time they crammed for a test. All persevered.

“I have a tendency to put things off,’’ said James Phillips, a 29-year-

CLINT LUDLOW

ERIC PETERSON

old second lieutenant who earned a psychology degree from George Washington University in 2017 as part of the Army’s Green to Gold program.

“I found out early on that you have to have a plan going into it and get yourself structured to getting things completed on time. And if you have questions, ask them.’’

Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Peterson is pursuing a political science degree at the University of Idaho and expects to be commissioned in May.

After graduating from high school, Peterson worked at a beer distribution plant before attending a community college in Bellevue, Washington, for a few semesters. He always considered the military an option and as he drove home from class one day he decided to enlist.

Peterson, 32, said he thought about becoming an officer during his

second deployment to Afghanistan in 2013 when a lieutenant praised his leadership skills. Four years later, while a drill sergeant in South Carolina, Peterson submitted his application packet.

“I felt I could make a bigger impact on people as an officer,’’ he said.

Beyond a degree, going to college can reward enlisted personnel with unexpected experiences.

Flanagan took classes in acting and Chinese philosophy. Peterson spent more time with his wife and three sons, all under the age of 10. Lt. Comm. Clint Ludlow actually played a season of college football as a linebacker while working toward a nursing degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.

Far older than the average player, Ludlow was nicknamed “Grandpa’’ by teammates. He enlisted in the Navy

FUN FACTS

A person who transitions from enlisted to officer in the Marine Corps, Air Force, or Navy is dubbed a

23 years ago and was commissioned in 2009.

“It gave me a lot of confidence,’’ Ludlow, 42, said of his degree. “Sometimes in the enlisted community, you know your place, and it’s on the lower end of the totem pole … It gave you a sense of completion, something to be proud about.’’

Enlisted service members considering becoming officers could experience that feeling, too.

“A lot of times, enlisted [personnel] don’t do these programs that are in place, and these programs are looking for them,’’ Phillips said. “You’re going to hear a lot of people tell you no during your career, but you do everything in your power to get to the ‘yes.’’’

Peterson agrees. “My biggest piece of advice is just go for it,’’ he said.

In the Army, the program is called

“Green to Gold.”

They are also called mustangs but most do not use the term colloquially.

ENLISTED TO OFFICER

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GOING FROM FOR YOUR BRANCH VISIT

“mustang.”

Tuition assistance updates

By Kate Horrell

Tuition Assistance, or TA, is a great benefit of military service, and over 100,000 service members use the program each year. But funding is not unlimited, and can even change in the middle of the fiscal year, so it’s normal to have questions about how it all works. In his 100 Day Message, Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite said, “Questions about educational benefits, particularly Tuition Assistance, are the most common queries I get.” So let’s answer those questions!

While each service has control over their budgets and rules, the programs must fall within the DOD rules. These include credit hour limits of $250 per semester hour or $166.66 per quarter hour. TA can only cover tuition, not any fees or other costs of an educational program.

TA provides financial assistance for voluntary, off-duty educational pursuits including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, certain certifications, and high school diplomas or equivalency certificates. TA is not authorized for education beyond a master’s degree, and you can’t use TA at an educational level that is equal to or below any degree that you have already completed.

Courses may be in a physical classroom or through distance learning, also known as virtual classrooms.

TA is requested on a course-bycourse basis, and each course must be part of an approved educational plan. Courses must be in pursuit of approved degree programs provided by accredited schools who have signed the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding.

AIR FORCE

Due to funding constraints, the Air Force has limited the total benefit per airman to $3,750 for the 2021 fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021. Previously, airmen could receive $4,500 annually.

Air Force TA is limited to 124 undergraduate and 42 graduate hours total.

ARMY

Soldiers can use up to $4,000 to pay for up to 16 semester hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework per fiscal year.

The Army TA program has a total cap of 130 semester hours of undergraduate credit, or the completion of a bachelor’s degree, and a separate cap of 39 hours of graduate credit, or the completion of a master’s degree.

COAST GUARD

The Coast Guard screens members for TA eligibility based on satisfactory progress towards qualifications and craft proficiency and requires a positive conduct record. Selected Reservists must also be making satisfactory progress towards participation standards.

Coast Guard members have an annual fiscal year cap of $2,250 for TA payments, equaling nine credit hours. Coast Guard TA is limited to 130 undergraduate and 40 graduate hours.

MARINE CORPS

Marines must have completed 24 months of service to use TA benefits. TA is also available to reservists on continuous active duty, enlisted reservists ordered to active duty 120 days or longer, and to reserve officers ordered to active duty for two years or longer.

The fiscal year 2021 limit on Marine Corps TA benefits is $4,500.

NAVY

Sailors must complete two years of active duty before using TA benefits, and also must have completed one year at their first permanent duty station, with waivers available at the CO/OIC level.

The Navy has a cap of $3,000 for fiscal year 2021. After running out of money in May 2019, this cap was reduced to the current level and lifetime TA for sailors is limited to 120 credit hours.

SPACE FORCE

At this time, Space Force uses the same TA rules as the Air Force. For fiscal year 2021, space professionals may use up to $3,750.

These guidelines and rules are not comprehensive, and are subject to change at any time. If you’re planning to use TA, check with your installation or branch education office to get the most accurate and complete information for your situation, and reach out to your school’s VA advisors. They are a vital resource in helping you work through the process.

TA benefits can help you accomplish your military and post-military goals. Secretary Braithwaite says, “It is one of the greatest benefits of serving in uniform.” Understanding your branch’s rules for the TA program is the first step in getting the education you want.

9 TIPS TO HELP KEEP STUDENT LOAN DEBT UNDER CONTROL

By Lila Quintiliani,

With Americans currently carrying roughly $1.7 trillion in student loans, keeping college debt under control is crucial. Here are nine tips to help you keep your student loan debt low while you’re in college and afterward.

1. Only borrow what you need. This may seem obvious, but don’t take out loans that you don’t truly need. Just because you can qualify for a loan doesn’t mean that you need to borrow money.

2. Use available benefits. If you are an active-duty service member, you may have tuition assistance benefits. These vary by branch, so it’s best to visit your education center. Some civilian employers, including the federal government and companies such as Starbucks and UPS, also offer tuition reimbursement. And many military families have Post9/11 GI Bill entitlements they can take advantage of.

3. Keep applying for scholarships and aid. This is another one that seems like a no-brainer, but many students focus on applying to scholarships only when they first apply to college. Some scholarships

are renewable and others may be specific to an area of study, so it’s worth continuing to apply.

4. See if you qualify for Public Student Loan Forgiveness. If you are employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. It forgives direct student loan debt after 120 qualifying payments. This program has very specific, stringent rules, so it’s best to make sure that you understand all the requirements.

5. Lower your loan’s interest rate. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) caps interest rates at 6% for both federal and private loans obtained before going on active duty. Contact your student loan servicer to initiate this benefit if they do not apply it automatically.

6. Sign up for automatic payments. Not only will this prevent you from missing payments (and racking up additional charges and potentially disqualifying yourself from loan forgiveness), but some servicers

offer a discounted interest rate for those who allow payments to be automatically withdrawn from their bank account each month.

7. Check out income-driven repayment plans if you are struggling with your payments. While military members are eligible to defer their student loan repayments during certain periods of active duty as well as post-active duty, this isn’t always the best choice — deferment only puts off payments, and interest still accrues. If you know you won’t be able to afford your payments for an extended period of time, a repayment plan based on your income may be a better idea. Note: You can only apply for this type of plan if you have a federal student loan.

8. See if you qualify for a Department of Defense loan repayment program. In certain circumstances, the DOD might repay all or part of a service member’s student loan. Check with your personnel office to see if this applies to you.

9. Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for loan forgiveness. Last year, a presidential memorandum streamlined the process to erase federal student loan debt for veterans who are totally and permanently disabled. Contact the VA if you think you are eligible.

While education is a great investment for the future, crippling student loan debt can derail the best-laid financial plans. Hopefully, these tips help you keep your education costs under control.

Want to build wealth and reduce debt? Take the Military Saves Pledge and receive emails and texts with tips, information, and motivation.

AFC, Military Saves Senior Program Manager

UNDERSTANDING ACCREDITATION

By Bianca Strzalkowski

One of the most important pieces of research a student can do when selecting a post-secondary institution relates to accreditation. Colleges, universities, and individual programs are evaluated by a specific set of standards, and accrediting agencies are charged with ensuring standards are maintained.

In fact, checking a school’s accreditation is a critical factor to consider when deciding where to invest education dollars. As with any big financial commitment, research can make the difference between a good or bad experience. One consequence of attending a school without proper accreditation is the value of a degree can be diminished, affecting financial aid options, transferability, and employability.

The purpose of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions and/or programs meets acceptable levels of quality, according to the Department of Education (DoED). To assist students, DoED maintains a database of accrediting agencies to review. There are also individual websites specific

to the types of schools a student may be considering, such as by location.

For example, because of the rise in attendance of virtual learning programs, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission is a valuable resource in reviewing distance education programs up to the professional doctoral degree level.

Regional accreditations of a school can be searched at sites like Council of Higher Education Accreditation. Or, for a very specific region, including near duty stations in the Southeastern U.S., check out Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

In addition to reviewing accreditation, there is a benefit in

getting feedback from people who have attended the school or work directly in academia.

Those options for vetting schools include:

• Checking the list of participating institutions that have a MOU with the DOD. Why? This means the schools are approved to receive military education benefits such as Tuition Assistance.

• Asking current and former students for feedback through Rate My Professors or social media groups, and

• Reaching out to organizations who work directly with military-affiliated students, such as State Advisory Councils on Military Education (ACMEs) or Student Veterans of America,

The bottom line is, the cost of education is expensive. Doing the legwork now saves a headache later and just like any other major purchase, a college investment requires due diligence.

AmeriForce Media is always accepting submissions for military-related stories. Have an inspiring tale of education success? Share your story here.